Kumkapi is known as  a neighborhood that is rich with its diversity in the community. The diversity becomes the main idea of designing a space that captures and represents the richness of culture and spirit of the various communities. Based on our analysis, the humble and casual atmosphere of the local culture is still preserved well in the given site.We acknowledge this conservancy and develop an idea of how the market should evolve as a place that would be the new identity of Kumkapi.

After a thorough understanding of the history and surroundings, we propose the idea of multicultural street food market. With the nearby Fish market, the market could host seafood restaurants with farm-to-table concept. This idea can potentially act as both an economic generation and attraction for tourists and customers We believe that street food can be an agent that represents the taste and aroma of each culture and the unique aspects of it. Additionally, street food typically brings together local residents and tourists. As William H. Whyte said, “If you want to seed a place with activity, put out food.” Street food is the generator to gather people from different cultures and economic backgrounds. The practicality of street food makes it easier to be consumed in public space. According to the book “Street Food Around the World : An encyclopedia of Food and culture”, Ottoman Turkey may have been the first country to legislate and regularize street food standards in 1502 issued by Sultan Nayezid II. Several open spaces allow this market to host cultural events in addition to street food vendors, which will further intensify the experience of understanding the diversity of Kumkapi.The existing building on the site was considered as the local occupant. The addition on existing building represents how the local residents of Istanbul collaborate with the diverse immigrants, which highlights the unique characteristic of Kumkapi where differences and diversity merge in harmony.